Weekly Menu

Happy Sunday and Happy Mother’s day! Today is always a rough day for me as having lost my Mom when I was 18, I feel that I missed out on so much with her. At 18 I felt that’s when my life was just starting out. However those first 18 years are the most precious ones to me. The memories I have of her are so fresh in my mind. She’s been there my entire life, with every life decision I made, every tear, every broken heart, every success and every time I just needed her.

She taught me how to me a lady, how to be strong, loving and kind. She taught me to be resilient and honorable. She taught me that you do not need money to be happy. She taught me about love, faith and trust. She taught me how to respect – everything. She is the one that I attribute most of my kitchen skills to.

I can remember growing up every Sunday morning watching (and helping) her make bread for the week. I was no more than 3 or 4 when she would pick me up and sit me on the kitchen table amongst the flour, yeast, water and other ingredients. Even at such a young age she was teaching me how to be self-sufficient. She instilled in me that if I could with just a few ingredients that I could make the basics and that I would never go hungry. While to me I was making a mess and having fun I didn’t realize that she was teaching me and that I was learning. She made being in the kitchen fun. She taught me that if you respect the ingredients (because for us, money was often just not there so we had to treat what we had like gold), they will nourish you with tremendous flavor.

Mom, know that not a day goes by that I don’t miss you. I love you with all my heart and I know, every time I feel the sun on my cheek that’s you kissing me from heaven and every time I feel the wind swirl around me that’s your way of holding me tight.

So to all of you, wrap your arms tightly around your mother figure and tell them you love them. Give them the week off and use some of these recipes from the weekly menu and give her the week off.